Black salve in a nutshell

Croaker, Andrew; Lim, Alvin; Rosendahl, Cliff

doi:10.31128/ajgp-07-18-4657

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Given this, physicians need to be aware of the sequela of changes that occur with black salve use to provide timely and appropriate care to inflicted patients. This case report provides an example of the management of a particular side effect reported with black salve use secondary infection [ 8 ]. The patient presented here had a rapidly progressive skin infection, which raised concerns for an immunocompromised state.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Often, dissemination of evidence-lacking information is driven via online channels, which permits harmful outcomes in individuals unaware of the dangerous effects of black salve. Commonly reported adverse outcomes observed with black salve use include burning pain, abnormal skin pigmentation, ulceration, scarring, and secondary infection [ 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Black Salve: A Dangerous Corrosive Disguised as an Alternative Medicine

Ordille¹,

Porter²,

Scholl³

2023

Cureus

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Black salve is a dangerous compound that has long been used as an alternative and complementary medicine despite clear warnings of its hazards from the medical community and governmental agencies. A paucity of information exists for clinicians seeking guidance regarding the management of black salve-related adverse outcomes. Secondary infection is a common sequela of black salve application to skin lesions. This case report presents a summary of the management of a secondary infection in a patient who applied black salve to an open skin wound. The resolution of this patient’s symptoms was a function of the interdisciplinary care provided by infectious disease specialists, an acute surgical care team, and dermatologists. The patience, clinical expertise, and judgment provided by these healthcare teams resulted in an appropriate diagnosis while also avoiding unnecessary medical procedures. This case sheds light on one of the varied consequences of black salve use and advocates for the incorporation of multiple medical teams in the management of black salve-related events.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Black Salve: A Dangerous Corrosive Disguised as an Alternative Medicine

Ordille¹,

Porter²,

Scholl³

2023

Cureus

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“…Days later, this leads to the formation of an eschar with surrounding tissue erythema and pain. 3 At times patients can develop cellulitis of the surrounding skin or tissue. Those with chronic conditions such as poor blood circulation or uncontrolled diabetes may be at risk for complications related to wound healing due to decreased oxygenation of tissues and elevated blood sugars damaging blood vessels respectively.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The eschar can cause cosmetic and functional abnormalities after the necrotic area heals. 3 Cosmetic and functional consequences to the site of application include indented scars when applied to areas of soft skin, loss of nasal nares when applied to lesions around the nose, and stool leaking from the wound site when applied to anterior abdominal wall. 5–11 These complications have been documented in the literature along with more severe outcomes including death from delays in initiating conventional treatment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many black salve preparations include zinc chloride, a synthetic corrosive agent that also leads to tissue destruction. 3 Due to these destructive effects, the sale of black salve was banned in Australia in 2012 after causing harm to Australian consumers who utilized black salve for skin conditions including cancer. [4][5][6][7] Additionally, there have been many case reports in the United States (US) documenting the adverse outcomes of using the black salve for topical ailments.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Black salve: risky escharotic

Rosario

Castro²

2022

Scars, Burns & Healing

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Introduction Black salve ointments are variable in their composition with no standard formula. Patient's may turn to unregulated products to self-treat their conditions. Products that are accessible without a prescription are not necessarily safe and may pose risk to those who use them, as in this case with the use of black salve ointment. Methods This case report discusses the use of black salve ointment on a nodular neck cyst in a 55-year-old Hispanic male patient. The patient applied the black salve ointment (Two Feathers Healing Ointment®) to the cyst, where the ointment remained in contact with his skin for seven days. He required oral antibiotics and was referred to wound care for follow up. Discussion After close follow up and treatment with antibiotics, the eschar healed and left a concave scar on his neck with no other observed complications. Conclusion Healthcare providers are encouraged to discuss complementary and alternative medicine options with patients as some may lead to dangerous effects. Lay Summary This is a case report about a 55 year old male patient who used an over the counter product called Black Salve to treat a cyst on his neck. He came to his primary care doctor's office for a usual checkup. Just before leaving his appointment, he mentioned a dark discolored area on his neck appeared after applying the black salve ointment. The black salve caused his skin to break down, get infected, and turn black. He was treated with antibiotics and close follow up care. After the wound healed, he was left with a scar on his neck from where the ointment broke down the skin. Since this product is available without a prescription, it is important that consumers know that it is not safe for use and may cause complications. If in doubt, ask a healthcare provider about a products risks before use.

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